I AM NOT A CONTENDER FOR CM'S POST
THE WEEK India|November 19, 2023
As the BJP is pitted against the Congress in a tough battle to retain power in Madhya Pradesh, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is a possible chief minister candidate, has a punishing schedule.
PRATUL SHARMA
I AM NOT A CONTENDER FOR CM'S POST

Scindia, who quit the Congress three years ago, thrives on his connect with the people. He can call more than 15,000 people in the Gwalior-Chambal region—once part of the princely state of Gwalior—by their names.

THE WEEK travelled with him to his palace in Gwalior from Pohari. Scindia is slightly hoarse, the fallout of at least half a dozen rallies a day. He treats his overworked vocal cords with warm water. At 52, Scindia is fit. He has gone gluten free, keeps away from wheat and rice, and relies on millets these days. On the campaign trail he eats rolls packed from home and he also loves his tea. While in Delhi, he spends an hour every day at his home gym.

Scindia stopped his car a few times to greet supporters who had gathered along the route with garlands. It was nearly dark as we approached the majestic Jai Vilas Palace, and the royal residence was all lit up. Scindia spoke extensively on a range of issues, including the BJP’s prospects, the Congress’s problems, the chances of him becoming chief minister and his association with Prime Minister Modi. Excerpts:

Q/Gwalior received the UNESCO tag of the ‘City of Music’. It is a big achievement.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE WEEK INDIAView all
What Will It Take To Clean Up Delhi Air?
THE WEEK India

What Will It Take To Clean Up Delhi Air?

IT IS ASKED, year after year, why Delhi’s air remains unbreathable despite several interventions to reduce pollution.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Trump and the crisis of liberalism
THE WEEK India

Trump and the crisis of liberalism

Although Donald Trump's election to a non-consecutive second term to the US presidency is not unprecedented—Grover Cleveland had done it in 1893—it is nevertheless a watershed moment.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Men eye the woman's purse
THE WEEK India

Men eye the woman's purse

A couple of months ago, I chanced upon a young 20-something man at my gym walking out with a women’s sling bag.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
When trees hold hands
THE WEEK India

When trees hold hands

A filmmaker explores the human-nature connect through the living root bridges

time-read
3 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Ms Gee & Gen Z
THE WEEK India

Ms Gee & Gen Z

The vibrant Anuja Chauhan and her daughter Nayantara on the generational gap in romance writing

time-read
5 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Vikram Seth-a suitable man
THE WEEK India

Vikram Seth-a suitable man

Our golden boy of literature was the star attraction at the recent Shillong Literary Festival in mysterious Meghalaya.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Superman bites the dust
THE WEEK India

Superman bites the dust

When my granddaughter Kim was about three, I often took her to play in a nearby park.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 08, 2024
OLD MAN AND THE SEA
THE WEEK India

OLD MAN AND THE SEA

Meet G. Govinda Menon, the 102-year-old engineer who had a key role in surveying the Vizhinjam coast in the 1940s, assessing its potential for an international port

time-read
4 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Managing volatility: smarter equity choices in uncertain markets
THE WEEK India

Managing volatility: smarter equity choices in uncertain markets

THE INDIAN STOCK MARKET has delivered a strong 11 per cent CAGR over the past decade, with positive returns for eight straight years.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 08, 2024
Investing in actively managed low-volatility portfolios keeps risks at bay
THE WEEK India

Investing in actively managed low-volatility portfolios keeps risks at bay

AFTER A ROARING bull market over the past year, equity markets in the recent months have gone into a correction mode as FIIs go on a selling spree. Volatility has risen and investment returns are hurt.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 08, 2024